Banned Books READ OUT

Students in University of Maine at Farmington award-winning director Jayne Decker’s Honors class are inviting campus and community members to join them on the UMF Mantor Library Green, Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 12:15-1 p.m., for the “2026 Banned Books READ OUT” stand against censorship. Free and open to the public.

The UMF “READ-OUT” event invites anyone interested in participating to bring their chosen book and simply read from it at specially designated areas on campus. Any book is welcome. The event will begin with brief remarks at 12:30 p.m. to be followed by a joint reading, which will be aloud, courteous, simultaneous and last for about 30 minutes.

UMF’s READ-OUT is in recognition of Banned Books Week, Oct. 4-10, 2026. It has been created to empower readers everywhere to stand against the banning of books and in defense of freedom of expression.

Specially designated areas for reading include the campus green in front of Mantor Library and the sidewalks in front of the Olsen Student Center. (In case of inclement weather, please bring an umbrella.) Individuals are also encouraged to read off campus in locations of their own choice.